Monday, September 7, 2009

Bittersweet





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We had a wonderful family weekend. On Saturday we dined at Space Aliens. On our way in, we ran into Tami's parents with Parker and Lucy. We treated Grandma Jeanne to dinner too, so we all dined together. The kids behaved beautifully. Ryan and Parker won slews of tickets. Of course, Olivia didn't do so hot, because she just likes to put in coins and push buttons. Sweet Parker showed me all his goodies he got to get with his points. I offered him a dollar to give Olivia some Pop Rocks. He agreed, which I thought was so sweet.
I need to back up a bit though. Prior to going to Space Aliens, I told the kids that we needed to visit a special friend of mine. He is a student who is about as hilarious as they get. He has brain cancer. He has texted me all summer long to tell me about what he is doing--including flying to Ireland to see and MEET Metallica. It was his Make a Wish trip. Without going in to all the details, he wasn't doing so hot. I prepared the kids that he was having difficulty speaking due to a recent seizure. He is not able to walk anymore or use his left side.
The girls made him pictures, and we had a lovely visit with his family out on their farm. It was so peaceful out there. I saw his pictures from his trip. Metallica was excellent to him by the way. The kids behaved beautifully. You just never know what you are going to get in tricky situations, but boy did they act as natural as they should have.
Since we were so close to Georgetown, I asked Thad to drive us there. I had never visited my classmate Todd's grave. He was killed on Prom night my senior year from a car accident. Once again, the kids were so good. They were curious, and yet so mature about it all.
On Sunday after church, we agreed to take the kids to Thunder Road--after Brady napped. Wow did we have fun! I hadn't driven a bumper car in years...I thought I was going WAY too fast, but Thad said everyone passed me. Oh well.
We golfed which was interesting with three kids and a baby. Olivia more or less played hockey and said 'dangit' the whole time.
Today, Labor Day, was a restful day. Tomorrow is school. I have a sinking feeling it's going to be a sad day. Please say a prayer for my friend who has since been put into the hospital. I know he isn't in pain, but it's just a sad deal. No kid should have to go through this. No family should either.

3 comments:

Vicky said...

Sounds like a wonderful Labor day weekend. You must be so proud of your kids, its not easy to visit sick friends or gravesites. Will keep your friend and his family in my prayers as I have heard what a tough journey they have been on. I am sure you all helped brighten his day yesterday :) Good luck on your first day of school!

Unknown said...

Sounds like your weekend was full of fun, hope, and love. I will keep your friend and his family in my prayers.

Erin said...

Your kids always rise to the occasion, Bonnie. Probably because you set them up for success when they face difficult or "different" situations. I'm proud of you. Thunder Road is a fun place! I giggled over Olivia's "dangit!"